By Holly Weiler
Cover photo courtesy of Derrick Knowles
Free outdoor-themed entertainment
Keep kids (K-12) engaged in learning and in the outdoors this summer by utilizing the FREE outdoor explorer packs available through the Spokane Conservation District. SCD has greatly expanded the offerings for explorer packs, which can be reserved for up to two weeks of use and include a variety of educational materials sure to make an outing both fun and informative. Options include “Explore Trees,” “Explore Rocks and Soil,” “Explore Water,” Explore Pollinators,” and “Explore Wildlife.”
Gather a line and a pole and get ready for upcoming free fishing days in our region! Both Washington and Oregon kick things off with an entire weekend of free fishing access on June 6-7. In Idaho, the event is June 13, and Montana holds its free fishing day annually on Father’s Day, which is June 21 this year. For each of these states, a license is not required to fish on the designated days, applicable to both residents and nonresidents. All other local fishing rules must be observed for the body of water, including but not limited to catch limits and special gear rules.
Washington State Parks is holding Discover Pass “free days” on June 6-7 (which additionally corresponds to Washington’s free fishing weekend, meaning neither a water access pass nor a fishing license will be required on those days), June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, and Aug. 9 to mark Smokey Bear’s birthday. Don’t forget that Discover Passes are also available for check-out at local libraries (use your library card to place a hold online).
A grand opening event for the Teanaway Community Forest on National Trails Day happens June 6. Teanaway Community Forest partners, including Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, Washington Trails Association, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and Backcountry Horsemen of Washington will be on site to lead group events and demonstrations.
Dishman Hills Conservancy is hosting a National Moth Week event on July 24 that includes after-hours access and fun activities that are great for getting kids involved in insect observation. Space is limited, so see the DHC website for full information and to register for the event.
Fundraisers and events
Kaniksu Land Trust will host “Pairings in the Pines” on the evening of July 9. This ticketed fundraiser event will feature local food paired with fine wine, to be enjoyed while taking a stroll through Pine Street Woods. For those who would prefer a more active experience, consider KLT’s third annual “Clark Fork River Pedal and Farm Tour” on Aug. 1. Advance registration is required for this 30-mile bike tour of several conserved private properties within KLT’s service area, and the day concludes with a farm-fresh meal.
Okanogan Highlands Alliance’s annual “Get Lost” trail race event at Lost Lake on the Colville National Forest will take place July 12. This fundraiser’s entry fee includes a year’s membership with OHA, food following the event, and camping at the group site at Lost Lake the night following the race. Race distance options include 3-mile, 7-mile and 11-mile categories.
Stewardship, conservation, & volunteer opportunities
(Please see each organization’s website for registration information.)
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is hosting stewardship events ranging from family campouts to multi-day trips, including a trip that will focus on pulling weeds while floating between worksites on the South Fork of the Flathead.
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance will be hosting two summer outings that include a trail maintenance component. The first is the Naneum Campout, June 12-14 near Ellensburg, followed by the annual Kettle Fest gathering near the Kettle Crest, July 15-19. Join in trail maintenance projects for a portion of each event, followed by time to explore nearby trail systems.
For a unique volunteer experience, sign up to become a trail ambassador for the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness this summer. The program runs on weekend days for the entire summer as a public education campaign. Ambassadors pledge to hike the trail and help teach safe outdoor etiquette, especially when encountering mountain goats on the trail. Additionally, FSPW offers several traditional trail-work projects throughout the summer.
Great Burn Conservation Alliance is offering a wide variety of stewardship projects, ranging from standard trail maintenance to meadow restoration near Pearl Lake, to fire lookout tower and historic structure rehabilitation. Additionally, the nonprofit offers a Heart Lake Ambassador program to help provide education to visitors at this highly popular lake.
Join Idaho Trail Association for one of its weekend work parties in North Idaho this summer. Trips include Thompson Pass (June 20-21), Jackson Creek (July 10-12) and Settlers Cedar Grove (July 31-Aug 2) and more. These trips are a fun way to camp with new friends while giving back to local trails.
Join Spokane Riverkeeper for a “Summer Kickoff Cleanup” event on June 13, helping to remove trash from the Spokane River corridor. If you’d love to be involved with this work but can’t make this specific date, Spokane Riverkeeper also helps support “DIY Cleanup” efforts by supplying pickers, bags, and gloves, as well as help with trash disposal. Gather a group and fill out an interest form on the Riverkeeper website.
Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association offers a mix of one-day and backcountry trail maintenance opportunities, with several of the backcountry offerings including pack support for gear and equipment. The trips vary from backcountry log-out to tread and drainage work. Find them working on the Minam River Trail in the Eagle Cap Wilderness in July.
Washington Trails Association will be offering a mix of Spokane-area day trips, weekend camping opportunities and backcountry volunteer trips (backpack style). A good introduction would be the Salmo Priest at Gypsy Meadows Trail Jamboree, June 18-21, where volunteers can choose to join one or all 4 days of trail maintenance.
Wild Montana hosts trail maintenance projects across the state, many of which fill within minutes of posting! However, the nonprofit urges those interested in a trip to join the waitlist in case of openings. Find crews on the Continental Divide Trail in late June and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness in August, among other fantastic trip offerings.
